Proving that nothing does not exist

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the philosophical and logical exploration of the concept of "nothing" and whether it can be proven to exist or not. Participants engage with mathematical and logical frameworks to analyze the implications of asserting that "nothing does not exist." The scope includes theoretical reasoning and logical demonstration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a structured argument using propositions and logical implications to assert that "nothing does not exist," concluding with a proof that leads to the negation of "nothing."
  • Another participant questions the validity of the argument, suggesting it may be a play on words rather than a serious logical demonstration.
  • A third participant reiterates the original argument in a simplified form, emphasizing the contradiction that arises from the initial assumptions.
  • A fourth participant also points out that the premises lead to a contradiction, suggesting that from contradictions, any conclusion can be derived.
  • A fifth participant states that the discussion does not meet the forum's guidelines, implying a concern about the nature of the argument presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the validity and seriousness of the initial argument. While some engage with the logical structure, others challenge its relevance and coherence, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves complex logical reasoning and philosophical implications that may depend on specific definitions of "nothing" and the assumptions underlying the propositions presented. There are unresolved issues regarding the applicability of the laws of logic in this context.

charlie_sheep
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I applied some mathematical view to the daily language while studying demonstration.

Proving that nothing does not exist

Consider the following hypothesis by definition:
1. (There's nothing) -> (There's the absence of everything)
2. (There's nothing) -> (There's the absence of everything) -> (There's the absence of the absence of everything)¹ -> (There's everything) -> ~(There's the absence of everything)
And consider the following hypothesis by logic:
3. (There's nothing) v ~(There's nothing)²
4. ~[(There's the absence of everything) ^ ~(There's the absence of everything)]³
By 1 and 2, we have:
5. (There's nothing) -> (There's the absence of everything) ^ ~(There's the absence of everything)
By 5 and 3, we have:
6. [(There's the absence of everything) ^ ~(There's the absence of everything)] v ~(There's nothing)
By 6 and 4, we have:
7. ~(There's nothing)
Q.E.D.

¹ - Cause "everything" includes the "absence of everything", since "absence of everything" is something.
² - Law of excluded middle
³ - Law of non-contradiction

As a result, the space is not full of nothing. Cause nothing does not exist.

Is the demonstration right?
 
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Was this a joke? Because all you have is one long play on words.
 
No, it's not a joke.

Long play on words you say, so let me take off the words:

Let A and B be propositions.

Proving ~A

Consider the following hypothesis by definition:
1. A -> B
2. A -> ~B
And consider the following hypothesis by logic:
3. (A v ~A)²
4. ~(B ^ ~B)³
By 1 and 2, we have:
5. A -> (B ^ ~B)
By 5 and 3, we have:
6. (B ^ ~B) v ~A
By 6 and 4, we have:
7. ~A
Q.E.D.

² - Law of excluded middle
³ - Law of non-contradiction
 
charlie_sheep said:
No, it's not a joke.

Long play on words you say, so let me take off the words:

Let A and B be propositions.

Proving ~A

Consider the following hypothesis by definition:
1. A -> B
2. A -> ~B

From these two lines it follows that B and ~B, giving you a contradiction. Given a contradiction, you can derive any conclusion.
 
This does not meet our guidelines.
 

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